For 180 years, this great Club has been a vibrant part of south London and of the domestic game of cricket in this country. Surrey has led the way on and off the pitch for so many of those years and this milestone year was, in many ways, one which represents the 180 that are behind us. We saw Surrey raising a trophy at the Kia Oval, the eyes of the cricketing world focused on our Test Match and we fought hard to preserve the domestic game for all counties.
On the pitch, it was a moment of real pride to see Bryony Smith hoist the inaugural women’s Vitality Blast trophy into the south London sky. The Kia Oval has long been proud to call itself the Home of T20 Cricket, and it was fitting that our new, fully professional women’s side began this new era by winning the trophy everyone in the women’s game wants. When we sat with Emma Calvert many months ago, putting together our plan for the team, she assured me that Surrey would be the most feared team in the country and Emma, Johann and Bryony have absolutely delivered for the Club.
For the men’s team however, there was disappointment as the team fell agonisingly short of a fourth consecutive County Championship title. We saw some astounding performances from our team once again, but Nottinghamshire proved themselves worthy champions when they bested us in one of the great County Championship fixtures at the Kia Oval in recent memory. I know that Alec, Gareth and Rory will be so determined to regain their crown and the off-season will be one of hard-work and planning to make sure they put themselves in the best position to do so.
Much has been said and written about the County Championship, its structure and a desire in some for change but both the leadership of the Club as well as the coaches and players were pleased to see that the counties have agreed there will be no reduction in red-ball cricket for the coming years. With the debate now settled, it is incumbent upon all of us who love and cherish the red-ball game to continue to spread the word and to encourage new fans in to watch the best format of the sport.
The red-ball game at the Kia Oval has continued to grow this year with nearly 85,000 fans coming through the famous old gates. We broke our record for the highest attendance over the course of a fixture twice and our Membership has swelled to over 21,000 – another record figure.
The Test Match was another astonishing example of what magic can happen when two great teams go toe-to-toe in red-ball cricket. None who were here on days four and five will ever forget the way the fixture swung from one result to the other before ending with such high drama and bravery as Chris Woakes demonstrated just how much winning a Test Match means to those involved. The staff of Surrey and the Kia Oval showed throughout those five days that they are amongst the very best when it comes to putting on a show when the world is watching. The world-leading facilities for fans and players alike were on full display.
The Test Match also saw one of the most memorable and poignant moments of the year, when we celebrated the life of the great Graham Thorpe. A Day for Thorpey not only celebrated his life but also ensured that for so many who knew and loved Graham, his legacy will endure. Over £175,000 was raised for the Mind charity and ‘Thorpey’s Bat and Chat’ sessions will soon be being delivered across the country – a source of great pride for all his family, many of whom were able to join us on that special day in August.
The Test Match also saw Surrey’s Ollie Pope lead the team with great distinction once again. Whilst I know that many of us miss seeing our Surrey boys pulling on the Three Feathers week in, week out through the year, it brings us all great pride to see them representing our country and we wish them nothing but the very best. Whilst the first Tests of the Ashes series have been difficult for England, that does not diminish our pride in seeing so many Surrey players chosen to be on the front line. The second Test saw four Surrey Talent Pathway cricketers line up for England and, regardless of the result, it brings great satisfaction to everyone in SE11 to see those lads representing us all.
2025 has been a year of great change for the domestic game in this country and none more so than with the sale of the Hundred franchises. 12 months ago, Surrey had just acquired a second professional side as the women’s team started, today two more have joined that as the men’s and women’s franchise teams are now under the Club’s control. I know that many of our Members have strong feelings regarding the competition but there is no doubt that for many counties across the game, this has provided a financial lifeline that can enable them to rebuild their businesses and ensure there is a sustainable 18 county ecosystem in this country.
In terms of what they bring to the table, the team from Reliance are absolutely the best partner that we could have secured. They are passionate cricket people, driven not by profit but by a desire for success. They have a great depth in experience of franchise cricket and their expertise spans across technology, player development, broadcast and commercial partnerships.
Away from the professional game, the Surrey Cricket Foundation have delivered another year of spreading the game across Surrey and south London. This year saw the first consolidated Surrey Championship, making it the largest adult club league in the country, taking steps to standardise the recreational game and improve inclusion and access. Meanwhile, at a school in Merstham, a young cricketer called Imogen attended her ‘dress up as someone who inspires you day’ as her SCF coach Daisy with the moment acknowledged at the national Chance to Shine Awards! A testament to the work that coaches like Daisy are doing all year-round in our community to inspire young people to take up the game.
I want to thank everyone at the Club for their hard work this year. It has been a non-stop year at the Club and the staff go above and beyond to deliver for the players, the fans and the Members. On a personal note, I’d like to thank Steve Elworthy, the Board and the General Committee who have been vital to guidance of the Club and the venue this year.
With 180 years of history and experience behind us, I have no doubt that 2026 will be another incredible year for the Club and this famous old ground.
To all members of the Surrey family, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Here’s to another 180 years of the greatest Club in the world!
Oli Slipper
